15 best medical resorts in Turkey – which one to choose for relaxation, photo, description, map
Probably no one will deny that the Turkish coast is a real resort paradise. The blessed shores are washed almost from all sides by 4 seas: Black, Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean. The extraordinary variety of landscape and climate allows tourists to choose the most suitable resort. Luxurious hotels, many beaches, irresistibly beautiful nature, fruit abundance make your stay in this country a fairy tale. The coast of the Aegean Sea is very picturesque, with pebble and rocky beaches, clear water, with numerous bays and mountains. The rocky shores of the Sea of Marmara and the cool water of the Black Sea are less suitable for a beach holiday. The most sought after tourist destinations in the Turkish Mediterranean, where there is a long bathing season with warm water. But not only a beach holiday attracts thousands of tourists to the country of 4 seas.
Dalyan
The small resort of Dalyan, located on the Aegean Sea, gives the impression of a city on the water. It is figuratively called the Turkish Venice. The river of the same name flows through it, connecting the freshwater lake Koycegiz with the Aegean Sea. A chain of natural reservoirs decorates the medical resort, creates a comfortable climate with mild winters and warm summers, and allows for the exuberant growth of flora. Many types of palms, rare specimens of trees grow here, delighting holidaymakers.
Near the mouth of the river Dalyan is home to Turtle Beach, which has been favored by large-headed sea turtles for centuries. To preserve this species of reptiles, the territory is under protection. But Dalyan, captivating with natural beauty, is still valued as a medical resort with springs of hydrogen sulfide water gushing out of the ground. They form a natural pool with healing water and mud. Their healing properties have been known to people since ancient times.
People come here to treat diseases of the musculoskeletal system and skin: arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, eczema, psoriasis, etc. The therapeutic mud of the pool so saturates the water with microelements, makes it dense, that it is difficult to sink into it. Spa guests first take mud baths (30-40 minutes), then take a shower and go to the pool with mineral water (+39 °) In the vicinity of the city there are thermal baths with mineral water containing vital microelements. Staying in Dalyan is an opportunity not only to heal, but also to enjoy the local natural attractions.
Opium
A small authentic-looking town in the western part of Anatolia, located at the foot of a giant rock, the thermal resort of Afyon. The name translates as “opium” because it is surrounded by fields of opium poppy used to make medicines. The history of Afyon goes back to ancient times, which is confirmed by the ruins of the Karahisar fortress on the top of the cliff.
Around the resort there is a “country of lakes”: 3 freshwater and 2 salt lakes. Since 2007, Afyon has been the thermal capital of Turkey, where about 700 thousand people come to be treated annually. Recently (2013), a Thermal Tourism Center for 2,000 patients was opened here. Many thermal hotels of various categories, sanatoriums have grown here over the past decade near mineral springs. There are 4 geothermal centers in the vicinity of the city (Gazlygol, Sandykly, Omer and Bolvadin).
Local thermal waters are saturated with a whole complex of valuable trace elements, hydrogen sulfide and carbon dioxide. They are effective in the treatment of the cardiovascular system, digestive tract, endocrinological disorders, skin diseases, rheumatism, etc. In addition to the use of thermal water, therapeutic mud mixtures are used. Compared to other resorts, prices for treatment and accommodation in Afyon are lower than in other places.
Pamukkale
This small town is truly unique for its ancient sights and thermal springs. Pamukkale is listed as the best resort, richly rewarded with mineral springs. All those who come here for treatment have the opportunity to see priceless ancient monuments. The main one is the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded 3 millennia ago.
The arena and walls of a huge amphitheater are impressive here, striking in their scale (capacity of 12 thousand spectators). A popular place in Hierapolis is a voluminous pool surrounded by flowering rhododendrons. According to legend, Cleopatra herself blissed in it, taking baths. The main reason why tourists come here is treatment with geothermal waters saturated with hydrogen sulfide and calcium oxide.
From 17 natural wells, water beats + 36 ° with a rich composition of substances: magnesium, calcium, ammonium, chlorine, nitrite, sulfate, etc. – almost half of the periodic table. It is the rich composition of medicinal water that contributes to the effective healing of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, nerves, skin, eyes, etc. Therapeutic mud successfully fights against joint diseases, obesity, freeing the body from toxins.
The whole of Pamukkale can be called a natural spa with natural mineral baths with limestone walls. The water flowing from the mountains is surrounded by white terraces, as if made of snow. These are calcium-salt limestones (travertine formations) accumulated over centuries. They make a stunning impression on tourists.
Denizli
The large resort town of Denizli (Marine) is located 300 km from the sea coast, surrounded by the picturesque mountains of Khonaz. Rainy winters, large temperature fluctuations characterize the temperate continental climate of this mountain resort. The administrative center of the province of the same name is very beautiful, has a highly developed infrastructure.
Magnificent parks, wide avenues and streets, many cultural and entertainment venues, historical sights appeal to tourists. They come here to improve their health, combining treatment with interesting excursions to the ruins of ancient cities in the vicinity of Denizli. The “highlight” of leisure is swimming in the Cleopatra pool, built in ancient times in the city of Hierapolis.
Its ruins are located 17 km from Denizle in Pamukkale. During the summer, you can enjoy pretty beaches on the Büyük Menderes River. Many thermal springs with healing waters have made the resort popular, despite the fact that it can only be reached by air. It successfully treats a wide range of different diseases. Local hotels are equipped with swimming pools, health centers, spas, and a bath complex. The city has many shops, restaurants with varied cuisine, nightclubs, sports facilities.
Balchov
In the district of Izmir there is the legendary resort of Balchova, famous for its hot springs. The exceptional healing properties of local water have been known for a very long time, since the era of the Roman Empire. According to legend, the leader of the Greeks Agamemnon brought his soldiers here to heal wounds during the Trojan War. Hydrogen sulfide water healed wounds and strengthened the strength of the soldiers. In Balchov and today there is a place called “the baths of Agamemnon” According to legend, the army of Alexander the Great received medical treatment here. Today it is the largest balneological resort.
Surrounded by forested mountains, Balchov looks very picturesque. The two oldest springs eject 28 liters to the surface. water every second. A multifunctional thermal complex with modern equipment is open here. In addition to mud and hydrotherapy, it uses electro, physio and microcurrent therapy, various massages and physical exercises. Post-traumatic rehabilitation is effective, wounds, fractures, postoperative sutures heal quickly.
Yalova
The combination of incredible natural beauty and the healing power of thermal springs make Yalova a real paradise on earth. Here you can enjoy a magnificent beach holiday, breathe in plenty of clean mountain-sea air and thoroughly improve your health. In a word, being in such a wonderful place is just a blessing.
Even the sultans of the Ottoman Empire and their families came to Yalova to be treated with hot waters. Mineral springs are a harmonious part of the local dendrological park, where numerous species of trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants and flowers grow. Walking on it is a great physical and emotional pleasure. The grandiose thermal complex Yalova Termal includes, in addition to medical buildings and pools with thermal water, various shopping and entertainment facilities. One of the pools has historical roots: the national hero of Turkey Ataturk took medical procedures in it.
The cabin where he stayed is a popular attraction. Excellent conditions have been created for holidaymakers in the complex: outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a hammam, “Sultan baths” (26) sports grounds, a tennis court, exercise equipment. The waters of the local sources treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, urological, skin, endocrinological problems, rheumatism and polyarthritis. Medicinal water, saturated with calcium, fluorine and sodium chloride, flows here even from household taps.
Kemer
The magical charm of subtropical flora with lush greenery and a kaleidoscope of bright colors, the azure of the Mediterranean Sea, the gentle generosity of the sun and a series of luxury hotels – this is Kemer, a luxurious resort. The resort area consists of the city itself and 5 adjacent villages, stretching along the coast for tens of kilometers. Pebble and sandy beaches, crystal clear sea, the opportunity to engage in various types of water sports and entertainment attract many tourists here.
The ancient ruins of the ancient cities of Phaselis and Olympos, the grave of A. Macedon are also an attractive factor for them. The ruins of cities are located in the vicinity of the resort. But Kemer is also a large hospital where you can treat the nervous system, get rid of depression and psychological discomfort. There are thalassotherapy centers in local hotels and inns, where the healing powers of water, mud, seaweed and climate are actively used.
The procedures are aimed at strengthening the immune system, restoring the body after overwork, stress. People come here who want to lose weight, who suffer from insomnia, etc. Mud wraps, sea baths promote skin rejuvenation, improve the overall appearance of a person. Staying in Kemer is a lot of the most vivid impressions combined with treatment.
Fountain
On the coast of the Aegean Sea in the vicinity of Izmir is the village. Cesme is a universal beach and thermal resort. Hot fountains here beat literally on the beaches, in cozy bays. Every vacationer gets double pleasure here, combining swimming in the sea and a thermal bath. Cheshma is extremely popular, especially among families with children, who are attracted by the warm sea, the opportunity to drink healing water. In addition, thalassotherapy (algae treatment) is practiced here.
Cheshmen thermal waters are rich in magnesium, soda, calcium, bromine, iron and other chemical elements. Even in ancient times, the ancient Aesculapius healed rheumatic patients with hot water spouting from the bowels, noticing its beneficial effects on health. Over the centuries, the range of application of sources has expanded, and today the list of ailments cured in Cheshme is dozens of items. Liver diseases are treated here. Kidneys, stomach, get rid of obesity, diabetes, urological problems, nervous disorders. Wonderful beach leisure is in harmony with pleasant medical procedures.
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Izmir
One of the most popular seaside resorts in the country, Izmir and its surroundings delight their guests with a warm Mediterranean climate, wonderful beaches and beautiful landscapes. The combination of irresistible natural beauty with modern infrastructure makes staying here a fairy tale. 60 km from Izmir is the village. Cesme with the famous Ilica beach, on which a thermal spring flows into the sea and warms it.
On all beaches of the resort area you can go diving, snorkeling and other water activities. Many ancient monuments diversify the leisure of tourists. As in other Turkish resorts, here the treatment is based on thermal therapy. Drinking mineral water, various baths are practiced in thermal hotels, equipped in the suburbs of Izmir, almost in the forest. The method of psammotherapy is also widely used here – hot sand treatment. A man covered with it on the beach is a fairly common picture. This is precisely the method of psammotherapy: valuable minerals penetrate through the pores of the skin, causing perspiration and cleansing the body.
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Armutlu
An oasis of clean healing air, hot mineral water, pine and laurel groves, polyphony of birds is the town of Armutlu, 1.5 hours drive from Istanbul. The resort history of the town is rooted in the distant past, associated with the legend of the daughter of the Byzantine ruler. His daughter Armodies, stricken with extensive eczema, was taken to this secluded place for treatment.
Bathing in thermal water, mud masks helped the girl get rid of ugly scars and wounds. In honor of the healing of his daughter, the king named the area Armodies, later renamed Armutlu by the Ottomans. After the formation of the Turkish Republic, scientists made deep analyzes of the water, which revealed their undoubted therapeutic effectiveness.
This is due to the rich content of chemicals in them: potassium, magnesium, iodine, iron, copper and many other substances. Local hydrotherapy can get rid of diseases of the respiratory system, skin, joints, central nervous system, gynecological problems. The Armutlu hotel chain, which began here 25 years ago with a single hotel in a small village, today offers its guests an excellent choice of comfortable accommodation and health promotion.
To be
Many tourists who come to Bolu, probably, do not leave the thought of the extraordinary generosity of the nature of the subtropics. The splendor of the local flora, the enchanting beauty of the mountains, valuable mineral springs make the resort of Bolu an extremely popular object. The healing significance of these places has been known since prehistoric times. They were owned by the Hittite kingdom, the Byzantines and the Ottomans, who gave the resort the name Bolu.
The closest to it is the Black Sea coast, and the city itself is located between Istanbul and Ankara. Pine and mixed forests cover 60% of the province of the same name. Bolu is not only a medical resort, but also a ski resort with lifts, good ski slopes with a total length of 100 km. A large-scale tectonic fault is an inexhaustible source of thermal waters.
2 types of drinking water are saturated with sulfates and hydrocarbons, hydrogen sulfide is used for baths. Patients undergo medical procedures in comfortable hotels equipped with spa and fitness centers, massage parlors. Thermal complexes with all types of water and mud cures have been created here. There are also interesting sights: an ethnographic museum, a mosque of the 14th century, Abant Lake, etc.
Gönen
A small town (73 thousand inhabitants), located 20 km from the Daradanelles Strait, a famous thermal resort. The agricultural province of Belakesir, in which Gyonen is located, is famous for the cultivation of rice. The nature here is very picturesque, emerald rice fields look colorful, there are many different groves. The thermal complex – a member of the European Spa Association – is located on one of the outskirts of the city, among a dense natural park.
Holidaymakers (1000 people) are accommodated in 3 and 4 star hotels. The temperature of the mineral water is +52°, it is used for drinking and bathing. It has a high content of carbonates, sulfates, chlorides, bicarbonates. Due to the composition, local thermal springs have a positive effect on the recovery of patients with rheumatic, neurological, orthopedic diseases.
Water procedures are effective in violation of cerebral circulation, post-stroke rehabilitation, dyscirculatory encephalopathy. 13 km from Gönen there is the Ilice spring, which forms a natural thermal pool. It is used for treatment not only by local residents, but also by ordinary tourists.
Kyzyljahamam
Surrounded by lush forests in the county of the same name is the resort town of Kyzyljahamam (red bath). This place got its name because of the red soil and the presence of a large number of ancient baths here. Kyzyljahamam is the richest resort in thermal springs, known since the Roman era. They are located both in the resort center itself and in all the surroundings, so in recent years new sanatoriums, hotels, motels and boarding houses have been actively built here.
The sources of Kyzydzhakhamam beat at an altitude of 975 m above sea level. Local waters are saturated with alkalis, salts, carbon dioxide and radioactive substances. Already in practice, the therapeutic effect of the drinking regimen in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract has been proven. Water and mud baths are good for patients suffering from articular and vertebral diseases, lack of blood circulation. On the territory of the district there is Souksu National Park – a favorite vacation spot not only for locals, but also for tourists. It has a source of Altynsu with tasty and healthy mineral water – the venue for the annual Water Festival.
Kangal
The world-famous mountain resort of Kangal is located at an altitude of 1600 m above sea level, in the zone of thermal springs with the effect of a jacuzzi. The healing effect of local waters on many skin ailments has already been confirmed by many years of practice. Atopic neurodermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, hyperkeratosis, acme, ichthyosis, fungal diseases are successfully treated here. The therapeutic effect is observed in gynecological, orthopedic, neurological and renal diseases.
The resort is known as a center for the treatment of psoriasis. Small fish live in a lake with warm water, feeding on particles of dead skin. Separating pieces of the affected skin, the fish lubricate this place with healing saliva and relieve the sick of the disease. The basis of treatment is a strict drinking and bathing regime, with minimal use of any other medicines. On an empty stomach, patients should drink at least 3 glasses of mineral sparkling water, and during the day the volume of water drunk should be about 2 liters.
Daily stay in the pool with mineral water – 8 hours. During treatment, alcohol is strictly prohibited. Observing all the requirements of doctors, patients achieve good results of treatment. Patients are accommodated in the buildings of the medical complex, equipped with great comfort. The residential building is connected to the pools by a warm covered walkway. All infrastructure facilities are present on the territory: a restaurant, a shop, a cafe, children‘s and sports grounds.
Karahait
6 km from Pamukalle is the resort village of Karahait, famous for its red travertine formations and thermal springs. Travertines are intermediate natural layers between limestone and marble. The waters of local springs, rich in iron oxide, turn the travertines red, making them unique natural attractions.
Some tourists specially come here to see this miracle. But the majority of visitors are holiday-makers, hoping to cure diseases with the help of hot mineral water, healing mountain air and mud. Thermal complexes, hotels based on local water with pools, baths and showers are built here. They effectively treat various types of joint and skin ailments, rheumatism, sciatica, nervous and cardiovascular diseases.
Thermal water is very hot, it is impossible to stay in it for a long time, so the entries into the pool are short. There are special fountains for drinking. The central street of Karahayit is a chain of shops, cafes and restaurants where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively. The local population treats holiday-goers with great warmth and friendliness. There is a park in the village with artificial travertine pools and picturesque flora.